Isuzu’s MU-X is one of most popular seven-seater 4WD wagons on the Australian market today.
And for good reason: it’s refined, well-equipped and a genuine all-rounder.
We tested the range-topping LS-T spec over seven days to gauge its worth as a daily driver and we put it through a tough off-road test consisting of low-range 4WD challenges at the outer limits of reasonable use for a standard 4WD.
Price and features of the 2023 Isuzu MU-X LS-T
The LS-T, the top-shelf variant in the three-variant MU-X line-up, is $69,488 (including all options and on-road costs) and that’s a drive-away price correct at time of writing.
Optional extras on our test vehicle include tow bar kit ($1182.25), 12-pin plug ($393.25), electronic brake controller ($896.05), rubber mats ($241.67) and premium paint ('Galaxy Blue Mica', $650.)
Standard features include a 9.0-inch multimedia display with sat-nav, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, an eight-speaker sound system, remote engine start, smart entry and start, and new 20-inch six-spoke machined-alloy wheels on 265/60R20 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres.
The LS-T’s recent round of updates included a new grille design across the range, revised LED tail-light surrounds, and a new auto-off feature for blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems when towing.
Exterior paint jobs include 'Mineral White', 'Mercury Silver Metallic', 'Obsidian Grey Mica', 'Basalt Black Mica', 'Magnetic Red Mica', 'Cobalt Blue Mica', 'Moonstone White Pearl' and the new Galaxy Blue Mica (on our test vehicle).
The MU-X has the line-up’s reliably gutsy 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, and a six-speed auto transmission – a generally unstressed combination.
The MU-X’s engine is not the torquiest around, but it offers ample pulling power available across a wide rev range and it delivers that torque in an even-handed fashion.
The MU-X has a part-time 4WD system. It has a dual-range transfer case (with high- and low-range 4WD), and a rear diff-lock. The driver is able to shift from 2H (two-wheel drive, high range) to 4H (4WD high range) while on the move, and up to speeds of 100km/h,
The diff-lock may only be engaged when the vehicle is in 4L (4WD low range).
It also has a switchable terrain mode system, which tweaks the engine, transmission and off-road traction control to suit the terrain.
Driving the 2023 Isuzu MU-X LS-T
The MU-X is a solid off-road tourer and has proven its worth on numerous 4WD challenges without flinching.
Its gutsy engine and six-speed auto work really well for low-speed, low-range off-roading. It never feels stressed and it ticks along nicely, with controlled throttle.
Low-range gearing is sound, throttle response is precise – with a pedal that's not too sensitive when you’re traversing bumpy 4WD-only territory – and traction control has been recalibrated over previous-gens for even more efficacy when it counts.
The MU-X's rear diff lock can be engaged at speeds up to 8.0km/h and only when you're in four-wheel drive low-range (4L). It will disengage when you hit 30km/h or more. Note: when you engage the diff lock, off-road traction control is disengaged. It's a handy addition that'll help to keep you moving on traction-compromised terrain and give you peace of mind on the tracks.
Hill descent control is impressive, holding our test vehicle to a controlled 3.0-4.0km/h while driving down our set-piece downhills.
The MU-X is 4850mm long (with a 2855mm wheelbase), 1870mm wide, and 1825mm high. It has a 11.4m turning circle.
In terms of 4WDing-relevant measurements, it has approach, departure and ramp-over angles of 29.2 degrees, 26.4 degrees, and 23.1 degrees, respectively – all rather standard for an unmodified 4WD wagon of this kind.
So, this is an impressive off-roader in stock-standard form, but there are a few trade-offs.
It has an official 235mm of ground clearance, but it feels vulnerable to touching earth with its undercarriage and side steps.
Slow, considered driving will somewhat negate this low-riding sensation, but can be effectively resolved with an aftermarket suspension / lift if you plan to use your MU-X as an off-road tourer.
Wading depth is an official 800mm and while we punched it through our knee-deep mudhole four times – we never came close to challenging the MU-X’s water-crossing ability.
The MU-X’s wheel travel – how far the axle can move up and down relative to the chassis – has plenty of flex, stretching its tyres close, if not all the way, to the dirt.
A noticeable trade-off is its 20-inch wheel-and-tyre combination, which are far from ideal for 4WDing. Easy fix: buy a set of decent 18-inch all-terrains to replace its showroom-standard 265/50R20 Highway-Terrain tyres.
Official fuel consumption for the MU-X LS-T 4x4 is 8.3L/100km on a combined cycle.
We recorded 10.2L/100km, from pump to pump.
The MU-X has a 80-litre tank, so, going by our actual real-world fuel-consumption figure, you will have a driving range of about 750km – that figure is minus a 30km safe-distance buffer.
In terms of safety, the MU-X range has the maximum five-star ANCAP rating from testing in 2020.
It has eight airbags (including a knee and front centre airbag) and driver-assist tech such as AEB, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure prevention, traffic sign recognition, and a reversing camera with rear cross traffic alert.
The second-row seat has three child-seat anchorage points and one ISOFIX point each on the outboard seats.
The MU-X’s AEB “operates at a vehicle speed of approximately 8.0km/h or less or approximately 160km/h or more", according to the factory owner's manual.
The system, with 'Turn Assist', detects vehicles (cars and motorbikes), pedestrians and cyclists.
The MU-X has a six-year/150,000km warranty and seven years of roadside assistance. That warranty is okay in terms of years, but unlimited km would be a welcome sweetener.
Service intervals are scheduled for every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever occurs soonest.
Capped price servicing covers the first seven scheduled services (or up to seven years/105,000km, whichever occurs first) for 19MY and later vehicles.
The cost per service is $409 at 12 months/15,000km, $429 at 24 months/30,000km, $629 at 36 months/45,000km, $529 at 48 months/60,000km, $319 at 60 months/75,000km, $769 at 72 months/90,000km, and $429 at 84 months/105,000km – for a total cost of $3513, according to Isuzu.
What we think of the 2023 Isuzu MU-X LS-T
Despite some very minor flaws, the MU-X is still one of the best 4WD wagons on the market when it comes to day-to-day driving and even seriously challenging off-roading.
Isuzu’s 4WD wagon, built on the D-Max platform, always impresses on-road and off, with its respectable level of refinement, tractable engine and comprehensive suite of driver-assist tech.
And in LS-T spec it certainly deserves your attention, if you’re considering a seven-seater 4WD wagon as your next vehicle of choice.